Finding Sources Advanced: Using Synonyms and OR for your Searches

Using Synonyms and OR for Your Searches


Vocabulary:

    • brackets
    • keywords
    • OR (Logical Operator)
    • synonym

Introduction

The process of using synonyms in our searches is very valuable and can help us improve our search results and our research process. It is, however, a little complicated at first.

Please watch the video below to better understand the process.


Link to: Transcript of 'Searching with Synonyms'


Searching Cheat Sheet

Here's a quick cheat sheet to help you remember the tips and tricks to searching. Feel free to download it or create your own!

Infographic showing uses of AND, OR, parentheses, and quotation marks

 


Alternative versions

Text version of the Searching Cheat Sheet (Microsoft Word Document)


Practice

  1. Use your search from the last page that included AND. Alter it to include one or more synonyms separated by an OR. How do the results differ from your first search?

(Need the worksheet? Finding Sources Advanced Worksheet.docx Download Finding Sources Advanced Worksheet.docx)

 


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